NASE Growth Grant
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
Up to $4,000
Monthly micro-grants for the self-employed
Monthly grants of up to $4,000 for self-employed individuals and micro-business owners who are NASE members. Funds support business expansion through hiring, marketing, equipment, or software. A new winner is selected each month; annual members may apply immediately, monthly members after 90 days of membership.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $1,000 – $4,000
- Realistic amount
- $1,000–$4,000 (award amount at NASE discretion; may award less than requested)
- Deadline
- Rolling — new winner chosen monthly; apply by end of each month to be considered
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- lump sum
Who qualifies
- Must be an active NASE member in good standing
- Annual members: eligible immediately upon joining
- Monthly members: must have been a member for 90+ days prior to application
- Business must be self-employed or micro-business (typically sole proprietor or very small LLC)
- Must have a documented business plan and clear use of funds
- Dependents of NASE members are also eligible
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Hiring employees or contractors
- Marketing and advertising campaigns
- Equipment purchases
- Software and technology tools
- Business expansion costs generally
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses
- Debt repayment
- Non-business purchases
- Political or lobbying activities
How to apply
-
1
Join NASE (if not already a member)
Sign up for NASE membership. Annual members can apply immediately; monthly members must wait 90 days.
~0.5 hrs
-
2
Create SMApply account and start application
Access the application portal at apply-nase-gs.smapply.io and create an account.
~0.5 hrs
-
3
Document your business and use of funds
Prepare a concise business description and specific plan for how you will use the $4,000 grant (hiring, marketing, equipment, or software).
~2 hrs
-
4
Submit application
Complete and submit the online application. No application fee required beyond NASE membership.
~1 hrs
-
5
Await quarterly review
Applications are reviewed quarterly. NASE notifies winners; selection is final with no appeals process.
~0 hrs
The hidden cost is NASE membership (~$11–14/month). Monthly members must wait 90 days — join as an annual member to apply immediately. Specificity wins: state the exact expense, dollar amount, and expected outcome.
Deadline & timing
Applications are reviewed quarterly (April, July, October, January). Annual NASE members may apply immediately; monthly members must wait 90 days after joining.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.